Chapter 2

Once the elevators closed Don seen Lindsay and Danny walking down the hall.

"Hey Messer!!! Where are you two off too?"

"Nowhere. I'm just getting ready to take Lindsay home. Why? What did you need Don."

"Nothing. Just thought we could go for a beer."

"I'll tell you what. Let me drop Lindsay off and I'll meet you back here in about twenty minutes."

"Sounds good. It will give me time to finish my paperwork."

As Danny and Lindsay walked down 42nd street they didn't realize they were being followed. Crossing the street, they neared the alley. Running up the two perps knocked them across the head. Down they went out cold.

NYPD

"Don. We have a call out. Two victims on 42nd street. One dead, one injured."

"Okay thanks. Has anyone called Mac?"

"We already did. He should be there by now."

Leaving the station he arrived at the crime scene. Looking at Mac's face he knew it wasn't good. Moving in closer Don seen Lindsay lying dead, while Danny was being lifted onto a gurney.

"What the hell happened Mac?"

"They were jumped. Two witness say they seen two male suspects flee the scene. Where's Stella?"

"She's at home. She doesn't start till tomorrow."

"I already talked to the Chief. I'm down two CSI's Don. So Stella is coming back to the team. Which is why she should be here by now."

"Hell of a way to get her back Mac. I'll try calling her."

"Hey Mac. I'm here. Sorry. The Chief just called and informed me."

Looking down she noticed Lindsay.

"Oh my God. Lindsay. What happened Mac?"

"Her and Danny were jumped by two male suspects. Danny's been injured, Lindsay didn't make it."

"This is no way to get my job back Mac. I can't believe this. We need to find these suspects fast."

Mac could tell Stella was upset. Reaching over he brushed her arm. A simple it will okay brush.

Once Lindsay was placed into the body bag and headed back to the morgue. Mac and his team finished processing the scene.

"Sheldon get this evidence back to Adam. Stella and I will head over to the Hospital."

"Did you want me to inform Lindsay's parents?"

"No. I'll do that. Make sure you call me if Adam finds anything."

"I will Mac. Tell Danny I'll stop by later."

Walking away Mac helped Stella into the car as they headed over to check on Danny.

The first thing Mac did when he arrived at the Hospital was look for Danny.

"Excuse me. I'm Detective Mac Taylor. Could you please tell me where I could find my CSI. Detective Danny Messer?"

"Of course Detective. He's in Trauma room 2. The doctors just finished working on him. He's going to be fine. Slight concussion. We haven't informed him about his partner yet."

"That's fine. I'll do it. Thank you."

"You go ahead Mac. I'm going to call Lindsay's parents."

"Okay Stel. Thanks."

Caressing Mac's arm she walked away.

Entering the room Mac found Danny sitting up on the bed.

"Mac!! Where's Lindsay? They won't tell me anything. Is she okay?"

"I'm sorry Danny. She didn't make it. Can you remember anything that happened?"

Danny was in tears. Sure he and Lindsay had had their differences. Sure they had dated for a while. But he still cared about her deeply.

"I don't know Mac. It all happened so fast. One minute we were crossing the street near the alley. Next thing, I woke up here. Have you called Lindsay's parents yet Mac? They need to know."

"Stella's doing that now Danny."

Nodding that he understood, he sobbed quietly. Walking up to his side, Mac took him in his arms and held him. such heart wretching sobs could be heard coming from his heart. Mac knew it would be a while before Danny would be able to cope with the loss of Lindsay.

"It's okay Danny. Just let it all out. Do you have anyone to stay with for the night?"

"Nah. I don't need anyone Mac. I'll be fine."

"They won't release you Danny. You have to have someone with you for the next twenty four hours. How about you stay with me?"

"Nah. I'll be fine Mac."

It was at that moment Don walked in.

"How is he Mac?"

"Stubborn. He can't be released till someone takes him home. He's refusing to stay with me."

"I'll take him. Let's go Messer. You can crash at my place."

"I said I'm fine Don. Don't worry bout me."

"I'm not going to argue with you. Now get your coat and let's go."

Don knew the last thing Danny needed was to be alone. Oh he knew he'd be fine with that bump on his head. But it was his emotional side that had Don worried. Helping Danny up, he helped him on with his coat and left.

"Take the next couple days off Danny. I don't want to see you at the lab. Understood?"

"Listen Mac I need to fin......"

"Understood Danny?" He interrupted.

Nodding his head Danny walked out with Don.

"Mac!! I talked with Lindsay's parents. They'd like her body flown back to Montana as soon as possible."

"Okay, I'll arrange it. I think it may be a good idea to send Danny with the body. That way it gives him closer."

"Sure Mac. Are you going to be okay?"

"I'll be fine Stella. We should get back to the lab and see if Adam found anything."

Walking from the Hospital Mac was happy and sad at the same time. He was happy to have Stella back with the team, but sadden that Lindsay had died.

Flack's Apartment.

Opening the door Don noticed Danny was dozing off while standing.

"Wake up Danno. Come on, let's get you settled."

Helping him over to the couch Don lied him down.

"You need anything Danno?"

"Nah. I'm fine man. I just want to sleep."

"Okay. If you need me, just yell."

Once Flack left the room Danny broke down again. God how could this have happened. How could ever get the picture of Lindsay out of his head. He kept seeing her smile just before they were attacked. Everything after that was black.

Listening in the other room Don could hear his sobs. Getting up out of bed he walked into the living room, sat down on the couch and took Danny into his arms.

"Come on man. I know it's hard Danno. Just let it out. No one is here but you and I."

The harder he cried, the tighter Don held him. God how his tears were soaking his shirt. A few minutes later all was quiet. Looking down Don noticed Danny was sleeping. Laying him back down, he covered him and whispered...

"You are going to survive this Danno. I'm going to help you every step of the way."

Heading back to bed, Don clicked off the light.